Kia Ora,

Happy New Year. I hope you were able to take a break over the holidays and spend some quality time with the people who matter most to you.

The year got off to a great start with a visit to Ākitio for a community meeting. It was a pleasure to catch up with locals, hear what is happening for them, and listen to their concerns and ideas. With perfect weather, sea air, and plenty of people enjoying this special place, it was a great reminder of what makes the Tararua District such a fantastic place to live and visit.

This is one of the busiest and best times of year across the district, with a range of much-loved events coming up. These include the Women’s Fishing Competition in Ākitio on 17 and 18 January, the 124th Annual Pongaroa Horse Sports on 24 January, the Woodville Motocross on 24 and 25 January, the Dannevirke A&P Show on 31 January and 1 February, and Wheels with Attitude in Dannevirke on 1 February.

I will be doing my best to get along to as many of these events as I can, and I hope to see you there and have a chance to say hello and have a chat.

Council is now formally back into action, with elected members coming together locally for two strategic planning days. This will be an important opportunity for us, as a new team, to set clear priorities and ensure they are reflected in the plans currently being developed. It is also a chance to take stock and make sure council’s direction aligns with what our communities have told us. I look forward to sharing the outcomes with you over the coming months and checking in to make sure we have got it right.

Work is also continuing on council’s Annual Plan, which effectively sets our budget for the coming financial year, while early work has also begun on the next Long Term Plan, due for adoption in 2027. The Long Term Plan is an important piece of work, as it’s where we can make real and lasting changes.

With wide reaching and ongoing government reform along with increasing costs, it is essential that we focus on affordability and make sure council services are provided in a way that is sustainable and fair for our communities.

This will involve some tough decisions and conversations, and we’re committed to working with you to deliver that.

In Memoriam: Sir Tim Shadbolt KNZM

Like many around New Zealand, I was saddened to hear of the passing of the larger than life public figure that was Sir Tim Shadbolt KNZM. Sir Tim was a wonderful example to Local Government around New Zealand and will be a hard act to follow - he will be dearly missed.

Council flew the New Zealand Flag at half mast on Friday 16 January from all Council Service Center's in his memory on the occasion of his funeral.